Pregnancy and insomnia - is there anything I can do or take?

[MuffinMclay]

I'm 26 weeks pg with number 2, and have struggled with sleeping ever since ds1 was born. I go to sleep fine, but wake up and can't get back to sleep. It has got really out of hand in the past week or two. Not sure how long I can function on 1/2 hours sleep a night before seriously losing the plot.

Hi Muffin
I'd seriously consider going seeing your GP about this, you may have a sleep disorder which will require some intervention to correct.
Have you tried all the normal relaxation things before going to sleep, bath, warm milky drink, half hour wind down with a book (not tele), massage from DP etc? Also some people recommend that if you wake up you shouldn't just lay there but actually turn the light on a read for a bit until you feel sleepy again then try and drop off. You could also try keeping a sleep chart, you might be getting more sleep than you think.
Your GP should be able to refer you to a specialist who'll have loads more advice
Good luck, insomnia sucks but it can almost always be sorted out
phee

Are you worried about yr ds1 waking up?
Are you uncomfortable being pregnant, peeing, aching hips etc?
Are you worried about coping with 2 dc's?
What exactly is it?
Sounds like you fall asleep exhausted then you remember what your anxious about in your sleep?
Love your nickname- From HairyMclary?

Hi Muffinday - I have a sleep disorder, and was uner the London Sleep centre for some times....they recommend going to bed at the same time every night, getting into a routine before bedtime (so your body sort of knows whats coming), Having the clock facing away from you....you are more likely to get back to sleep if you dont know the time, and I still do this and it helps.
Also i think you can use "sleepeaze" from boots, but I would check that with the pharmacist? If you cant get back to sleep, they also recommend you get up and read or watch somethign on the TV until you feel sleepy again, but nothing too stimulating.
I do feel for you , its not nice, hope some of this helps xx

If you are having problems sleeping in long stretches i would suggest just sleeping whenever you feel the need. If you are not working or looking after any other Babs then obviously this is muich easier. Maybe if you try not to worry about getting all sleep in one long stretch it may help ease any anxiety?!?!?!

Thanks everyone. I saw the mw and GP today. The GP says that if I still have sleep problems a week from now then he can prescribe a sleeping tablet that is safe when pg.

In the meantime I thnk I'll just have to try harder to relax, if that isn't a contradiction in terms.

I'm not particularly uncomfortable (yet), but may be worrying about things. I didn't enjoy the 1st few weeks with ds1 at all, and am a bit worried about how I'll cope with al;l that again.